4.5/5 ★ – ElementaryGaming's review of Shenmue.

Absolutely fascinating to see the origins of this style of game, which clearly influenced the Yakuza series. However, it's also very different from Yakuza. Shenmue is a detective life sim, and it's incredibly charming. The aesthetics of this game are off the charts, and the detail of the world is astounding. Having to wait for time to pass can be annoying, but it does make the game more interesting, and I think it's better for it. Not being able to just "skip" time makes the world that much more real. The only thing I really dislike is having to "practice" moves endlessly in order to become competent for the final boss. I loved the cinematic ending, with the narration words scrolling across the bottom of the screen. It's a prequel that ends with the phrase "And so the saga begins"- pretty bold for a first entry in a series.